The New Zealand-born star has famously sparred with Strictly judges over the years, and clashed with new head judge Shirley Ballas in the last series.

Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli took Cole to task and told him he should be more respectful to her.

Ballas and Cole had an awkward exchange following Cole’s tango with Charlotte Hawkins, when Cole hit back as Ballas critiqued their routine and he told the judge: “I’m really sorry, but there was no rise and fall.”

She told him to look back over the footage, to which he firmly responded: “I will, my dear.”

Cole told Lorraine: “I’ve been very lucky…My passion is still very much there. I’ll miss being a Strictly dancer…It feels quite raw.”

“I’m very sad to leave, to not be asked back … However I’m available for weddings, funerals and bar mitzvahs,” he joked.

He did not mention the judges but said: “I’ll miss my gang, the pros on the show, they’re a phenomenal bunch. I love them to bits.”

A BBC spokesman said: “We’d like to thank Brendan for being part of the show since the beginning – winner of the first series – and for the contribution he has made to its success. We wish him all the very best for the future.”